Brave France: Ukraine and France launch grant programme for defence companies
The Ukrainian Brave1 defence technology cluster and the French Defence Innovation Agency (AID) have launched a joint grant programme, Brave France, for Ukrainian and French defence companies.
Source: Brave1
Details: The agreement to launch the programme was signed during the Eurosatory 2026 exhibition in Paris. The total budget for Brave France is €20 million, with €10 million contributed by each party.
"The agreement was signed by AID Director Patrick Aufort and Brave1 Operations Director Iryna Zabolotna, with the participation of French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin. In February 2026, the parties announced their intention to cooperate; the agreement now moves them into the operational phase," the cluster added.
Under the programme, companies will focus on developing defence solutions, including missile technologies, unmanned systems and modern air defence capabilities. The parties are currently forming a joint executive board and finalising thematic areas and expert commissions.
Brave1 noted that the maximum grant amount will be €1 million. The first call for proposals under the programme is scheduled for September 2026. Testing of developments will take place through the Test in Ukraine platform, with validation in real combat conditions.
Background: Last winter, it became known that Brave1 and the French Defence Innovation Agency would launch a joint initiative to support defence startups. The parties signed a corresponding letter of intent.
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